Thursday, August 6, 2015

Christopher Ward C8 Flyer Collection

Christopher Ward present a significant extension to their Aviation collections with the launch of a series of new automatic and quartz models that take the brand’s C8 range to new heights – the C8 Flyer collection.

Christopher Ward’s passion for British engineering has been reflected across a number of their Aviation and Motoring models in the brand’s 11-year history, and the new C8 Flyer celebrates a distinctly ‘Best of British Aviation’ theme by echoing design elements from two truly iconic examples of British 20th century technical innovation and ingenuity – the Supermarine Spitfire and the Farnborough Wind Tunnels.

Firstly, the cockpit of the revered Spitfire incorporated the Smith’s Mk. II A clock, which now provides the inspiration for the simple but evocative dial language of the C8 Flyer. From the Spitfire to Concorde (and Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird hydroplane), the remarkable Farnborough Wind Tunnels played a pivotal role in British aviation development.

These astonishing structures, incorporating magnificent, huge mahogany blades (600kg each) and monolithic perforated steel surrounds, have been interpreted on the back-plates of the C8 Flyer using the signature Christopher Ward three dimensional deep-etched stamping process on the automatic models and a laser-etched engraving on the quartz range.

Presented in two stylish colour editions, Vintage Black and Steel, behind the heritage-inspired design of the C8 Flyer beats a choice of automatic or quartz movements, with options in dial sizes (38mm and 44mm) and straps:

• C8 Flyer Automatic – Vintage Black Edition & Steel Edition (44mm and 38mm): One of watchmaking’s most reliable automatic movements (Sellita SW200/1 or the Eta 2824-2) is encased by a marine-grade black PVD stainless-steel case, which echoes the black case of the original Spitfire cockpit clock. As with the Vintage Black edition, the classic stainless steel case option, in marine-grade stainless-steel case, carries an oversized crown, designed to make adjustment easier for the aviators’ glove-bound hands.

Across the range the C8 Flyer look is completed with the beautifully crafted vintage leather strap, incorporating a hand-sewn whip stitch or, for those intending to wear the C8 over a flying jacket, a fine leather NATO strap.

The best of British engineering has resonated in a number of the brand’s Aviation and Motoring models, including the recent launch of the C8 P7350 Chronometer, incorporating a piece of metal from the last surviving Spitfire (‘P7’) to have flown in the Battle of Britain. The C8 Flyer range is priced from £550 for the automatic model and from £299 for the quartz model.